Leetsdale Borough

08/05/2026

Borough Memories: Share Your Historical Photos

Help us preserve the rich history of our borough by sharing your treasured historical images!

From August 3 to September 11, we’re collecting photos that capture the people, places, events, and everyday life that have shaped our community over the years. Whether it’s a vintage street scene, a family gathering, an old business, or a long-forgotten landmark, your contributions will help build a lasting digital archive for future generations.

Upload your photos (and any stories that go with them) here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYPl5SHOGE2c4OPGMyBB7EwDhNgZrrn7eUhnx6_nuNUSANhA/viewform

You can also bring your images to the borough office, and they will be scanned and returned back to you.

This work is part of the Historical Resource Survey, funded by a Keystone Planning Grant, currently in progress. Lineage LLC, our project consultants, are looking forward to the final presentation for the community in October.

07/22/2026

Reminder: our Historic Preservation Community Day is coming up this Saturday!

Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Meeting Place: Borough Building Community Room/Patio

Please stop in at any time to talk to our project consultants, Lineage LLC, about their ongoing survey process and findings. Light refreshments will be provided.

Short neighborhood walks and demonstrations will be conducted if there is interest among visitors. Also, if you have any pictures or historical information about your home or the community, you are welcome to bring it to share.

See you there!

07/18/2026

Given the air advisory and the rainy weather forecast, the Splash Pad will be closed on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.

07/17/2026

Due to air quality advisory, the Henle Park Splash Pad will be CLOSED on Friday, July 17. We will reassess the conditions outdoors and post updates for the weekend tomorrow. Stay safe, everyone!

07/14/2026

07/13/2026

Due to the heat wave, Splash Pad will be open three extra days this week: from Monday July 13 to Wednesday July 15. Concession stand will be closed on these days and will reopen for regular hours on Thursday July 16. Come on up and stay cool!

07/08/2026

Message from Mayor Ford on the borough’s feral cats remediation efforts:

***
Dear Residents:

I want to share an important initiative aimed at improving our stray cat population in Leetsdale. We have teamed up with Whiskers in The Wild and Animal Friends to initiate a program in some troubled areas throughout the Borough through a humane approach known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)

We will be starting this program on July 14th till the last week in July. If you are interested in assisting in this initiative, please contact Whiskers in the Wild at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or email me at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

We will be concentrating on a few areas behind Broad Street (36 & 38 Ohio River Blvd) Valley Lane, areas around Beech Court/Oak Drive. If you know of any cat communities on your street, please let us know.

What is TNR?

TNR is a scientifically proven method for managing cat populations that focuses on the following key steps:

Humane Trapping: Volunteers will set humane traps in designated areas to safely capture community cats. We kindly ask that residents refrain from disturbing these traps during this time.

Spay/Neuter & Vaccination: Once contained, the cats will be transported to Animal Friends for spaying or neutering and vaccinated to ensure their long-term health.

Ear Tipping: The tip of the left ear of each altered cat will be removed to indicate that a cat has been spayed or neutered helping us track those who have already received care. This is done under anesthesia and is a universal sign of TNR utilized throughout the globe.

This is the most effective way to reduce suffering among community cats and ensure a healthier community. This method not only benefits the cats but also contributes to a significant reduction in their numbers over time.

Whickers in the Wild a dedicated volunteer-run non-profit organization, will be leading this TNR effort in our neighborhood. Please reach out to Whiskers in the Wild or myself so we can work together as a team to improve this community.

07/03/2026

BIG BOY VISITOR GUIDE

Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive
Saturday, July 11, 2026

Welcome to Leetsdale!

Leetsdale Borough is proud to welcome residents, visitors, and railroad enthusiasts from throughout the region for the arrival of the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's largest operating steam locomotives as it travels through western Pennsylvania.

For more information and to track the train’s progress through our region, please see the link below:

https://www.up.com/news/heritage/big-boy-northeast-tour-dates-260428?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwS1BtRwZG9mA2ZkaWQWUJ218SZL49tB3qJ-GM0g1appBTJcmmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR77VF81YeyVFbr9UJZuCS1VrXkxxq10z1NDYx9O5QwgIKMt7lCoJmWc0ZgRBw_aem_ViOzGca4zlwG5WaFEqUZWw

We hope everyone enjoys this historic event while helping us make it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Event Information

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026

Expected Arrival: 6:15 PM

Expected Departure: 6:45 PM

Viewing Location: Ferry Street Railroad Crossing (near Subway)

Please Note: Train arrival and departure times are subject to change. The Borough does not control the train schedule. Visitors should monitor Union Pacific's official Big Boy schedule for updates before traveling.

Event Map

The map is attached below. It identifies the Big Boy viewing area, railroad crossing, parking restrictions, heavy traffic areas, pedestrian crossings, safety reminders, and major landmarks.

What to Expect

This event is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Leetsdale.

• Heavy traffic before and after the train's arrival

• Delays entering and leaving the Borough

• Increased pedestrian activity

• Temporary traffic control by police and fire personnel

Please allow extra travel time and be patient while exiting after the event.

Parking Information

There are NO designated public parking lots for this event. Visitors may park only where legally permitted.

Parking is prohibited on:

• Mike Maruca Overpass

• First Street

• Shoulder of Broad Street adjacent to State Route 65

• Any roadway, driveway, intersection, fire lane, or emergency access route

Please obey all posted parking signs. Vehicles parked illegally may be subject to enforcement or towing if they create a safety hazard.

Safety First

• Stay at least 25 feet from the railroad tracks.

• Stay behind all caution tape and barriers.

• Never enter railroad property.

• Never climb on railroad bridges or structures.

• Watch for trains operating on adjacent tracks.

• Keep children within arm's reach.

• Cross streets carefully and only when safe.

• Follow instructions from Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS personnel, and Railroad Officials.

Respect Our Community

Respect private property, support local businesses, dispose of trash properly, and be courteous to residents and other visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best viewing location?

The primary viewing area is along the railroad near the Ferry Street Crossing.

Is First St. closed to pedestrians?

No, First St. is accessible for pedestrians to stand on within the appropriate distance from the train. “No stopping or standing”, marked on the map, applies only to vehicles.

Can I park anywhere?

No. There are no official event parking lots. Park only where permitted.

Can I stand on the tracks?

Absolutely not. Remain at least 25 feet away from the railroad tracks.

Will roads be closed?

Traffic control measures may temporarily affect vehicle movement. Expect delays before and after the train arrives.

Is the train schedule guaranteed?

No. Arrival and departure times are estimates controlled by Union Pacific Railroad.

Public Safety Partners

Leetsdale Borough Police Department

Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department

Valley Ambulance Authority

Allegheny County Sheriff's Reserve Unit

Norfolk Southern Railroad

Union Pacific Railroad

PennDOT

Thank You

Thank you for helping make this a safe, family-friendly event. We hope you enjoy witnessing one of America's greatest railroad icons and make lasting memories during your visit to Leetsdale Borough.

Leetsdale Borough Police Department

373 Beaver Street
Leetsdale, PA 15056
724-266-1397

Working together to keep our community safe while celebrating history.

06/30/2026

Due to the heat wave, Splash Pad will be open two extra days, on Tuesday June 30 and Wednesday July 1. Come on up and stay cool!